The History of San Francisco’s Cable Cars

What does the death of horses and a devastating earthquake have to do with San Francisco cable cars? Read this blog to find out!

San Francisco’s cable cars are an image closely associated with the city, but many don’t know the history. For example, did you know that the start of the cable cars was due, in part, to the untimely death of some horses, or that the 1906 earthquake helped to seal the downfall of the system? Here’s a brief summary of the rise and fall of San Francisco cable cars.

In 1869, some horses were pulling a streetcar when they slid backwards, resulting in their deaths. This sad scene was witnessed by a man named Andrew Smith Hallidae who came up with the idea for a cable system for the city that would be safer than the horse-pulled cars. Just a few years later, on August 2, 1873, the first cable cars, called the Clay Street Hill line, went into operation.

Fun Fact: Do you know why cable car operators are called “grips.” It’s because the operation of the original cable car included a grip that engaged with the cable to tow the cars along.

The next line, Sutter Street Railway, took another four years to open, and by1890, there were 23 lines, all heavily used by commuters as a convenient way to move about the city. The popularity of cable cars would begin to wane when electric streetcars were introduced.

Electric streetcars didn’t spell an immediate end for cable cars—but it was just a matter of time. There were people on both sides of the cable car/electric streetcar argument. What would propel the electric streetcar to ultimate victory was the tragic earthquake of 1906.

In the early morning hours of April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake shook the city. The shaking could be felt from Southern Oregon all the way to Los Angeles, and San Francisco was hardest hit. The death toll was estimated at 700, but many modern experts say it was likely much higher. As a result of the earthquake, fires ravaged the city. One of the fires destroyed the power houses for the city’s cable cars along with 117 of the cars. The damaged lines were replaced by electric streetcars.

Take a ride on a historic San Francisco cable car.

By 1912, only 8 cable lines remained, and today there are just 3 still in operation. Once used by commuters, today the vast majority of the 7 million annual riders are tourists. While no longer widely used by locals, the cable cars are an iconic part of the city, and they are even on the National Register of Historic Places.

During your stay at Hotel Union Square, a San Francisco Hotel, hop on and enjoy a bit of the city’s past with a ride on the iconic cable cars.

Families with children find a wealth of San Francisco Things to Do, ma... Read more >

About Hotel Union Square

Built in 1913, our San Francisco Accommodations were the City’s first boutique hotel. Original murals remain and are featured in the beautiful fusion of art deco and classic San Francisco style. The sleek furnishings sit amidst a rich color palate of crimson, shades of grey and earthy taupe.

The ideal location of this Union Square Hotel puts our guests in the very heart of the San Francisco Shopping district and just 1 block from the historic Cable Car Turnaround. Guests at Hotel Union Square will be a short stroll from top San Francisco Restaurants, Attractions, and Activities.

This boutique hotel offers an ideal location, beautiful accommodations and friendly service making Hotel Union Square a popular choice for both business and leisure guests.

Architecture San Francisco offers a walking tour for architectural enthusiasts by an architectural enthusiast. You won’t just look at pretty buildings – you’ll get an in-depth understanding of the planning of the city and how the buildings speak to the city’s history...Read more >

San Francisco’s art scene received a boost in interest and has become stronger since the San Francisco Museum of Art revealed its grand remodel. Today, art in our city is flourishing and you’ll find evidence of its vitality at many San Francisco art galleries near Hotel Union Square. Head to these g

Website Search

Highgate and its portfolio of properties proudly support Save the Children, an organization that helps children in 120 countries, including the United States. Save the Children invests in childhood by giving children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By supporting this cause, Highgate helps to transform children's lives now, in order to change the course of their future - and ours.